MakeMyTrip: Republic Day Long Weekend Travel Trends 2026

India’s Republic Day long weekend in January 2026 is driving a surge in both domestic and international travel, with Goa, Rajasthan, Kerala, and Pondicherry leading within India, while Thailand and Vietnam dominate overseas choices. Families, millennials, and Gen Z are opting for short-haul, experience-rich getaways thanks to the rare 4–5 day holiday window.

Domestic Travel Highlights
- Goa: Continues to be the top leisure destination within India.
- Nearby Getaways: Strong preference for short-haul trips from metros, with destinations like Udaipur, Manali, and Pondicherry seeing a surge.
- Holiday Boost: The Monday holiday around Republic Day is driving demand for extended weekend trips.

International Travel Trends
- Easy-Visa Destinations: Countries with simplified visa processes remain popular.
- Thailand: Leading international demand thanks to direct connectivity from multiple Indian cities.
- Vietnam: Emerging strongly as another preferred destination.

Key Quote
> “The appetite for weekend travel remains strong, with the extended Republic Day weekend presenting an opportunity for travel. Goa remains the favourite leisure destination within India. Internationally, the skew towards easy-visa destinations continues to gain traction, with Thailand at the forefront and Vietnam also performing strongly.” – Rajesh Magow, Co-founder & Group CEO, MakeMyTrip

Takeaway
- Domestic travelers are opting for quick escapes to nearby cultural and leisure hubs.
- International travelers are prioritizing visa convenience and direct flights, making Southeast Asia the clear winner.